I'm trying to remove heater element from Whirlpool dryer

I'm trying to remove heater element from Whirlpool electric dryer AWZ555. It's located in the back center, against the back of the drum. All photos online show it along the lower right ahnd side, but this is in an aluminum closure against the back and I can't figure out how to get in to replace the element. Any tips? It's driving me mad.

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An easy answer: gas (natural gas) dryers have igniters, but your electric dryer has no igniter,instead it has a heating element (a zigzag arrangement of wires similar to that found in a space heater). Remove the back of the dryer - the heating element will be enclosed in an air duct that feeds heated air into the drum via a vent at the top back of the drum.If you look into the drum, you can see the vent cover that covers the heated air inlet at the top back of the drum.

The heating element is located at the rear of the dryer behind the rear access panel. Disconnect power then remove the screws attaching the rear access panel to the cabinet and remove the panel.

Your dryer seems not heating but it doesn't mean the heating element is busted. The
problem is obviously in the heating circuit which is basically composed
of the heating element, thermal cut-off, high-limit thermostat, cycling
thermostat, and the motor centrifugal switch. The most common part that
causes the dryer not to heat is the thermal cut-off and/or the
high-limit thermostat. Verify this
condition by bypassing the said components. Click on the link below for the detailed procedures.Troubleshooting Whirlpool and Whirlpool-Made Electric Dryers Running But Not Heating

unplug unit remove front lower panel . on the right side you will see the heater box element is held in place with a small screw on front left side and friction hold outer housing with hand and pull out element with a pair os pliers.

Before replacing the heating element, check first the continuity of the thermal cut-off and the high-limit thermostat located on the heater box, the resistance of the heating element, and the continuity cycling thermostat located on the blower housing. Replace the heating element only when it reads open. Replace both the thermal cut-off and the high-limit thermostat should any one of them is found open. The cycling thermostat must have continuity between its thicker terminals; otherwise, replace it.

All of the above components are accessible through the rear of the dryer. Remove the rear panel by removing the screws securing i to thedryer cabinet. Replace the heating element by removing the screws attaching its housing to the heater box then securing the new heating element housing in place.

If the model number is correct, the heating element is replaced by following these steps:

1. UNPLUG the dryer. Dangerous voltage still exists inside the unit even when it is shut off.

2. Turn dryer around so you can access the rear panel. Disconnect the dryer exhaust vent hose.

3. Loosen and remove all the screws around the perimeter of the rear panel. Remove panel and set aside.

4. The heating circuits will be located on the right hand side (as viewed from the rear) with the heating element located inside the heater box.

5. Remove the mounting screws that hold the heater box in place and disconnect the electrical connections (make sure you annotate where the wires go).

6. The entire heater box comes off with the element inside. Loosen the screws on the outside of the heater box that hold the element in place. With the screws removed, the element will slide out the bottom of the heater box.

Now...if the dryer is running but not heating, have you confirmed the heating element is bad? There are several factors that can cause these symptoms. Please review the following link before you assume the element is the cause:

If you haven't done so already, it may be a good idea to double check the source voltage, followed by a check of the Hi-Limit Thermostat and Thermal Cut-Out (TCO). All these components can factor into the same symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you have any questions, please post back and let me know. I hope this information is helpful to you.

if this is a top load?if so remove the back panel and you will see the dryer heater box to your right,the fuse is on the left side of box top,the high temp thermostat is on the bootm left and should be replaced also,before you do thatmif you have a meter remove the 2 wires from the heating element and check it on omns,no meter?remove the 2 screws pull the element off and look to see if the coil is broke anywhere,let me know how you do-mkie

The heating element is located in a pan on the rear wall of the dryer. You must remove the front and drum to access it. Start by opening the door and removing the screws that hold down the top. Then you can easily get the front off. In a GE dryer almost 100% of the time it is going to be the heater element.When restringing the heater...READ MORE